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| Iraq-Jordan |
| New Iraqi Airmen stage first operational airlift mission |
| 2005-06-21 |
| 6/16/2005 - NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq -- Airmen representing the new Iraqi Air Force have successfully executed the first airlift operation mission since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. The mission not only marks a great accomplishment for the emerging Iraqi Air Force, but it also directly supports the protection of Iraq's power grid. "The mission, dubbed 'Operation Iraqi Power,' while simple in nature and tactical in design, directly supports a complicated strategic plan to stabilize Iraq," said Lt. Col. James McClellan, the New Al Muthana Air Base U.S. commander, who is deployed from the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. "At first glance, moving some cargo isn't a big deal since it occurs every day. However, this operation is filled with firsts — it's the first time the Iraqi Air Force aerial transporters have prepared cargo without significant U.S. assistance, and it's the first time New Al Muthana Air Base has been used to stage an operational mission." The mission began when the Ministry of Electricity put in an airlift request to move equipment from Baghdad to Basrah to be used by the Ministry's Energy, Pipeline Security Services to protect Iraq's energy distribution system from insurgent attacks. That request was the catalyst for Operation Iraqi Power. Working from a base that still shows battle scars from Operation Desert Storm and the 2003 invasion that finally toppled Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi Airmen began processing and palletizing the cargo for airlift. In a little under five days, everything was ready and the first Iraqi Air Force C-130 to fly this operation sat ready for loading. It would take five chalks to complete the operation. Although the Iraqi aerial port Airmen have been trained in airlift operations, their success was directly tied to the support of the men and women of the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Baghdad International Airport. "They have been involved since the start with planning assistance and the use of critical material handling equipment, and their efforts helped ensure the success of this operation," said Col. Daniel Kornacki, 447th Air Expeditionary Group commander, who is deployed from his position as the vice commander of the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. To help prepare the Iraqi Airmen to take over airlift missions, and ultimately function as an Iraqi equivalent of Air Mobility Command, the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq is helping to rebuild New Al Muthana Air Base, in training Airmen and in establishing a chain of command in keeping with Iraqi military tradition. That tradition is reflected in the stories of men who suffered under Saddam Hussein, but are now dedicated to building a free Iraq. One such story tells of one of a new Iraqi Airman who was a fighter pilot during the Iran-Iraq war. While flying a mission into Iran, he refused orders to fire on a school house. Immediately upon landing back in Iraq, he was arrested, and spent nearly 15 years in prison—finally to be liberated when coalition forces invaded at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "This is a fresh start for the Iraqi Air Force, and these men have trained hard," Tech. Sgt. John Spry said with pride. Deployed from the 49th Material Maintenance Support Squadron, Holloman AFB, N.M., Sergeant Spry is serving as a member of the coalition military assistance training team for MNSTC-I. "Operation Iraqi Power is offering them an opportunity to take another step towards freedom and security for their families," he said. Most of the men accomplishing this historic mission are thankful for the chance to help develop an Air Force to be proud of, despite constant threats from insurgents—threats against their lives and even their families. For these Airmen, and their comrades serving in other areas of the new Iraqi military, the price of freedom is high—but it's a price they are willing to pay for the sake of their children. One such dedicated Airman, Warrant Officer Hasen, paused while preparing cargo for shipment, and struggled to find the words in English to express his thoughts. "I thank my American teachers, and all Americans who (are) helping us," he said. "They leave everything behind—their home, their family, their children—to come bring freedom. We will tell our children, and they (will) tell (the) next generation—(that) you helped build (a) new (Iraqi) Air Force. I tell your family—they can be proud of you. Thank you. Thank you." |
| Posted by:Steve |